I LOVE OUR STAFF AND PASTORAL TEAM

The picture above is one we took while hanging out a few Sundays ago. As you can tell, we love to laugh and act goofy!

As some of you know, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. (You still have a few days to let them know how much you appreciate their ministry :>) Here me clearly, I can’t believe I get to do ministry with a team like this.

Several times this month, I have pulled the team away just to show them how much I love them and how valuable they are to the Kingdom and ministry of newhope. Today, I want to share that with any and everyone. These guys rock for Christ! Here are just some quick thoughts about what I LOVE ABOUT EACH PERSON ON THIS TEAM:

Kelly Calegar – you are the front door personality of our church and I love your presence. You have no idea how great it has been to see your spirit soar lately to even higher heights. Your smile alone is a gift and your heart for God and your competency in the office is a blessing to our church.

Natalie Blake – I thank God for you and the way in which you help us in the office. Your joy and gracious spirit always lift me up when you come to the office. Thanks for being on the journey and helping newhope serve Christ.

Curtis Mulder – Nothing like a crazy Canadian on the team! I have never regretted, even for a second, going after you, brother. You are not only one of the most gifted Worship Arts Pastors I know, you are now legal! :>) Thanks for coming to America and newhope.

Matt Smith – A church planter in the making. As I said a few weeks ago to our church, I believe in you. You are a man of God and gifted to start and lead a new church. Keep your heart up and your head down and the best is yet to come. Thanks for serving our church in the area of Discipleship and Outreach.

Karen Federman – It has been a joy having you lead our first ever hopekids preschool. You are so fun to be around. Thanks for your crazy joy and new ministry to hopekids. You are a wonderful woman of God and we are blessed to have you on this team.

Theresa Johnson – Thanks for being one of the most caring persons I know. You not only care for me and my ministry needs, you care for my wife and kids. You will never no how much that means to me. I thank you for all you do to help me serve in ministry. We love you.

Ed Hanigan and Jeff Bourn – Though you guys are not in the photo and your ministry is bi-vocational, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. You both have given so much to the life and ministry of this church for years now. Thanks for your friendship and ministry.

Amy Lynn – I guess you could say I saved the best for last. Amy Lynn, you are my love and the best wife and mother on the face of planet earth. The longer I live, the more I love you in ways that words can articulate. You are an amazing Children’s Pastor and I praise God for such a life/ministry partner. Thanks for being you.

If you read this Blog - here is an idea! Respond back with your comments about what you appreciate about one of more of these pastors. I promise to share it with them.

Pastors and staff team, you guys are amazing! I repeat - I can’t believe God lets me work with such a group of people. I love each of you and your spouses and your children more than I could ever adequately articulate. Thanks for being on the pastoral/staff team. You enrich my life and the lives of so many newhopers more than you will ever know on this side of eternity! THANK YOU.

Because of Jesus,
Benji